Today, Mayor Olivia Chow, Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth) and Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg welcomed 104 frontline first responders during a graduation ceremony for the newest group of Operations Firefighters.
Operations Firefighters mitigate fires, respond to thousands of medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous materials incidents and many other emergencies that occur across Toronto each day. The recruits graduated from their intensive, 18-week recruit training program with National Fire Protection Association and received the professional qualifications as Operations Firefighters, Fire Prevention Inspectors and Public Educators. This allows Toronto Fire Services (TFS) to increase the number of Ontario Fire Code inspections conducted, resulting in enhanced fire protection service levels across the city.
TFS is the largest fire service in Canada and the City’s only all-hazards emergency response organization. TFS provides Toronto residents, visitors and businesses with a suite of world-class fire protection services that include public education, fire prevention, Ontario Fire Code enforcement and all-hazards emergency response.
The City of Toronto is the largest city in North America with a fire service that has Accredited Agency Status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).
Quotes:
“I’d like to congratulate and welcome these new Operations Firefighters to the City’s incredible frontline emergency services. We are grateful for their dedication and commitment to public safety. I would like to extend my thanks to the new recruits who will protect and save the lives of Toronto residents, visitors and businesses.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“On behalf of the Toronto Fire Services Command Team, I offer my congratulations to each graduate and their families. These recruit firefighters have successfully completed an intensive 18-week training program, preparing for the challenges associated with emergency response in North America’s 4th largest city. I am confident each graduating firefighter will serve the residents of Toronto with courage, compassion and service in all they do.”
– Chief Matthew Pegg, Toronto Fire Services